Blog

Our beloved Cottage community embraced the spirit of Halloween with a delightful Trick-or-Treat event that brought joy and laughter to all!  On October 19th, our staff members’ children and family members donned their spookiest, silliest, and most creative costumes, transforming our cottage into a whimsical wonderland of treats and smiles. The event kicked off at 2 PM, with excited little ghouls and goblins eagerly making their way to the cottage. The decorations were a sight to behold! The atmosphere was truly festive, with the sweet scent of autumn in the air. Residents lined the hallways, eager to greet the little trick-or-treaters. From witches and superheroes to fluffy animals and classic movie characters, the creativity of the costumes was astounding! Laughter filled the air as residents exchanged jokes and stories with the children while handing out an array of delicious candies and treats. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff who help organize the event and ensured everything ran smoothly. Special thanks to the residents who participated, making this event a memorable one for everyone involved. It was heartwarming to see the joy on both the children’s and residents’ faces—a reminder of the bonds we share in our community. We look forward to more events that bring us together and celebrate the joy of the season. Until next time, keep those spirits high and your costumes ready!

Last month, a lively group of residents set off for a delightful outing to the local Fairgrounds farmer’s market. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they explored the vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, homemade goods, and delicious premade meals. With baskets in hand, our residents wandered through the market, chatting with local vendors and sampling delicious treats. Many enjoyed the opportunity to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, while others were thrilled to discover unique handcrafted items, from candy to artwork. The outing not only provided a chance to support local businesses but also fostered connections among neighbors. Laughter and conversation filled the air as everyone shared recommendations and swapped stories about their favorite finds. As the afternoon came to a close, the group returned to the cottage with not just bags full of goodies but also a renewed sense of community spirit. It was a wonderful reminder of the joy that local events can bring, and plans are already in the works for the next community outing!

Hey, it’s Jett, your favorite furry athlete and boy do I have a bone to pick with my humans.  They turned my beloved tennis court into…pickleball!  Who does that?! Gone are the fuzzy tennis balls I could sink my teeth into.  Now, it’s these hard, weird pickleballs with holes.  I tried catching one, but it kept slipping out of my mouth like soap.  And those holes?  My teeth got stuck in them!  Not cool, humans.  Not cool. Then they yelled, “Out!” So naturally, I thought, “I’ll just eat the ball.”  Nope!  Worst. Snack. Ever. But don’t worry, I’ll figure it out – right after my nap. Your pickleball – challenged pal, Jett

Recently, at our cottage's front porch, we were greeted by an unexpected sight—a finely crafted bird's nest, meticulously constructed with twigs, moss, and bits of fluff, hidden between the flowers and leaves in a hanging basket.  As we continue to cherish these small encounters with nature, let us strive to create spaces where wildlife can thrive alongside us. May we always find joy and inspiration in the simple wonders that surround us each day.

Welcome, garden enthusiasts, to another edition of our Gardening Gazette! Today, we bring you exciting news and updates on cultivating two beloved garden favorites: banana peppers and tomatoes. Banana peppers, known for their mild heat and vibrant yellow hue, are thriving in our garden this season. These versatile peppers not only add a kick to salads and sandwiches but also bring a beautiful splash of color to our beds.  No garden is complete without the classic tomato plant, and ours are flourishing this season as well! However, we are still waiting to see our beautiful green peppers in all their glory. As we continue to nurture our banana peppers and tomatoes through the season, we're excited about the possibilities they bring to our kitchen and dining room tables. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these two crops are excellent choices for their flavor, versatility, and ease of cultivation. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the joys of gardening, and the vegetables we will bring to you! Until next time, happy gardening!

Both of our new additions have made their safe arrivals! Courtney’s new son arrived on June 19 th and Elena’s baby boy made his grand entrance on June 27 th! Both mamas are doing well and have been at home enjoying a much-deserved respite to heal and bond with their babies. We wish them a peaceful recovery and a smooth transition into the newest chapters of their lives!

National Peach Month is in August each year, and it isn't easy to imagine summertime without this juicy summer fruit. Peach season begins in June and lasts until the end of August, and they say that August is when peaches are at their peak. The peach symbolizes youth, immortality, fertility, and union (in Chinese culture); therefore, many Chinese brides carry peach blossoms on their wedding days. Peach also makes a great wedding decor color scheme for brides worldwide. Overall, the peach holds a special significance in Chinese culture, and the only true wild peaches that can be found there, are sour, smaller in size, and very fuzzy. There are over 700 varieties of peaches in the world today, including nectarines, a variant of peaches and not a cross between peaches and plums. Peaches and nectarines only differ in skin texture — peaches are velvety, while nectarines are smooth. The fruit is classified as a drupe, which means it has a hard stone in the center, and there are two kinds of peaches — clingstone and freestone. The names give you an accurate idea of how to differentiate between the two — either way, they make our lives peachier.

Hey there, it’s Jett, your favorite furry visitor! Last month, you got to meet me, and this month, I’m back to spill the beans on my hilarious summer adventures! With the thermometer hitting triple digits, I’ve become quite the cool canine – literally! I love tearing around in the sunshine, but even us energetic dogs need a break. My top trick? Dashing through the hose stream while Mom waters the plants. Picture this: a soaked, grinning me and a very unimpressed Mom. Classic, right? But wait, there’s more! I’ve discovered that rolling around in the shaded grass is the ultimate cool-down move. It’s like my version of a spa day, with the added bonus of looking absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold! And my pièce de résistance? Chilling indoors and chomping on ice cubes. I stare longingly at the ice cream, but alas, that’s off the menu for this pup. I hope you’re getting your fair share of ice cream to stay cool, while I dream of what could have been! But I’m not alone in my cooling escapades. My fellow dog buddies get pretty creative too! Some dig holes in the yard to find cool soil, others splash around in kiddie pools, and a few even try to catch the sprinkler’s spray. It’s all part of the fun of summer when you’re a dog! So, next time you see me, just remember: staying cool is an art, and I’m the master artist!

We couldn't bee more grateful for everyone who buzzed over to celebrate our upcoming little bundles of joy! Your presence truly made the day as sweet as honey. The hive is buzzing with excitement as Courtney welcomes her second son and Elena welcomes her first baby boy! A special shout-out to our queen mama bees who worked tirelessly through their pregnancies and remained positive with laughter and happiness. Stay tuned for the buzz of their new arrivals—can't wait to introduce our newest bee-autiful cottage members!

Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. All Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor. The symbolism of the Missing Man Table: The table is round, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The single red rose: displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers. The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate; captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.

Hi there, I’m Jett! You might have seen me wagging around the cottage recently. Traveling, visiting the cottage, and saying hi to everyone are some of my absolute favorite things to do—well, besides munching on my kibble! My full name is Jett Von Prufenpuden. Fancy, right? I’m a Giant Schnauzer, and my birthday is on July 2nd. I’ll be turning five this year! I love cake, but my people say it’s a no-go for me (so unfair!). I was born in Kentucky and spent my first two years at PDS Training School learning how to be the best dog ever. I learned all sorts of cool things like staying on my bed, heeling, following my people, and even protecting them. I got to visit all kinds of places and meet loads of people—over 100 families! No boring kennel for me. I met babies, horses, tractors, and bicycles and learned to stay safe around all sorts of farm equipment and animals. I played with other dogs like German Shepherds and Dobermans and was part of a big doggy pack. Now, I live on a farm in Pennsylvania with my people. There’s so much grass to run on! But I’m not allowed to chase the deer, turkeys, or squirrels. I do get to bark at them sometimes, though! The only thing I’m allowed to chase is groundhogs, but honestly, they’re not much fun. My people have lots of kids and grandbabies, and I love the babies, especially when they come for lunch or dinner and drop food on the floor. Score! I can nap with the babies and play fetch with the bigger kids. Swimming isn’t really my thing, but I do love getting wet at the pond when it’s hot. And oh, I love truck rides and meeting new people! I can’t wait to visit the cottage again and say hi to everyone because you’re all so nice!

To all the Dads and Grandfathers, As Father's Day approaches, it's a time to honor and celebrate the incredible men who have shaped our lives in countless ways. You are the pillars of strength, the guardians of wisdom, and the beacons of love that illuminate our paths. To the dads who have been our heroes since childhood, whose laughter fills our homes with warmth, and whose guidance has been a steady hand through life's challenges – today, we honor you. To the grandfathers whose stories carry the echoes of generations past, whose wisdom is a guiding light in our darkest moments, and whose love is a steadfast presence that knows no bounds – today, we celebrate you. Your love is a gift that enriches our lives beyond measure, your wisdom a treasure that we hold dear in our hearts. From the simple joys of childhood to the complexities of adulthood, you have been our rocks, our confidants, and our champions. Thank you for the sacrifices you've made, for the lessons you've taught, and for the love you've given so freely. Today, and every day, we honor the extraordinary men you are – fathers and grandfathers, mentors and friends, whose presence in our lives is a blessing we cherish. Happy Father's Day!